How To Calculate Fireplace Chimney Wall Framing Height - Do It Yourself Examples And Tips
Chimneys are a vital part of any home, but they can also be a source of confusion when it comes to wall framing. If you're planning to build a new home or add a chimney to an existing house, it's important to calculate the wall framing stud measurements correctly.
These measurements are generally applicable to new construction, remodeling projects, or adding a chimney to an existing house.
Key takeaways for calculating wall framing stud measurements for a chimney
Wall framing components to consider: The thickness of the wall framing plate and the top framing plates should be factored into your measurements.
Measurement methods: The video offers two methods for calculating the wall framing stud heights:
Method 1: Using measurements from the foundation or framing plate: Measure from the top of the building foundation or the top of the wall framing plate to the bottom of the sheathing and add the thickness of the sheathing.
Method 2: Using a 10-foot 2x4: Place the 2x4 on top of the roof sheathing, level it, and mark the bottom point where it meets the wall framing plate.
Important considerations when using these methods:
Identify the highest point of the chimney on the roof sheathing: The 10-foot measurement should be taken from the point where the farthest point of the chimney intersects with the roof sheathing, not necessarily the highest point of the roof.
Minimum chimney height: Building codes typically require a minimum chimney height of 3 feet.
Accounting for roofing materials: The measurement should consider the thickness of roofing materials and any other elements on the roof that could affect the chimney height.
Tips for accurate measurements:
It is recommended to plumb the board to ensure it is vertical for the most accurate measurement.
While the 10-foot 2x4 method is a common approach, using two 2x4s nailed together can be helpful if you cannot find lumber long enough.
Greg also recommends making the chimney framing a little larger than the minimum measurement to provide extra space.
Bonus Tips
The size of the chimney. Larger chimneys might require more wall framing support.
The type of chimney. Different types of chimneys have different framing requirements.
The local building codes. Building codes vary from place to place, so it's important to check with your local building department to make sure your chimney framing meets all the necessary requirements.
